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Reconciliation in Action: What It Looks Like Across Canada

Published on 30/09/2026 by YWCA Canada

 

Reconciliation with Indigenous communities is deeply personal. It is local. And it matters to who we are. 

As National CEO of YWCA Canada, Aline Nizigama travels across the country, visiting YWCAs from coast to coast to coast. She sees what reconciliation looks like on the ground: conversations around tables, relationships taking shape, and young people, Elders and Indigenous community members sharing space, knowledge and culture. 

“I see YWCAs asking not only, ‘What can we do?’ but ‘How can we do better?’” says Aline. Those visits have stayed with her. 

“They remind me that reconciliation begins with relationships — with listening, learning and honouring the land and the teachings that have been carried forward through generations.” 

That work is central to YWCA Canada’s 2025–2028 strategic plan, Centering Excellence and Equity. “Truth, reconciliation and equity are not one part of our work. They are at the heart of all we do — and the foundation of our strategic plan.” 

But what does reconciliation look like beyond the national strategy — in the communities where YWCAs work every day? 

We asked leaders from YWCA member associations two questions: 

  • What does reconciliation mean to you?
  • What are you doing in your work to advance it? 

Different perspectives. A shared commitment. 

For Lindsay Rice, Executive Director of YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin, reconciliation means “building a future where everyone belongs, is respected and has the opportunity to thrive.” 

For Michèle Nadeau, CEO of YWCA Moncton, it means “relationship, reciprocity, interconnectedness, respect for Indigenous knowledge and responsibility to future generations.” 

For Lois Ruston, CEO of YWCA Westman, it means “constantly learning — with humility, vulnerability, an open heart and an open mind.” 

Different words. Different communities. A common call to listen, learn and keep moving forward. 

Reconciliation in action 

That work is already underway across Canada. YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin is working with Indigenous community partners to create dedicated Indigenous space in its new Program House. 

YWCA Moncton is building Indigenous learning into its work through guided walks on the land, the Blanket Exercise, local Powwows and Indigenous learning courses. It is also making space for Indigenous voices in organizational decisions. 

In Manitoba, YWCA Westman is working with Brandon University to strengthen the Matriarch Circle in Brandon and southwestern Manitoba, creating space for women to support one another and for younger generations to learn and grow into roles of knowledge-keeping and leadership. 

The work looks different from one community to the next. But it starts in the same place: listening, learning, building relationships and turning that learning into action. 

Keep moving forward 

For Aline, seeing this work across the country makes clear how much reconciliation matters to local YWCAs and the communities they serve. 

There is no single blueprint. There is no finish line. “There is more to learn. More to do,” she says. 

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a time to listen, reflect and honour Survivors, families and communities. It is also a reminder that reconciliation cannot begin and end on September 30. 

Reconciliation also means recognizing the distinct experiences, leadership and knowledge of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people and addressing the gendered impacts of colonialism and violence. 

Reconciliation is not a destination. It is a commitment we choose, every day. 

Continue learning and taking action 

For those looking to deepen their learning, understand the Calls to Action and Calls for Justice, or learn from Indigenous-led organizations, these resources are a place to start. 

  • Indigenous-led organizations and resources: Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada; Esquao: Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women; First Nations Child & Family Caring Society; Native Women’s Association of Canada; National Association of Friendship Centres. 
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